Minister of Foreign Affairs II Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof on the fourth day of the First Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) yesterday iterated the importance for all Brunei citizens and permanent residents to register through the e-Register system of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
It allows the ministry and the diplomatic missions to quickly contact them and theis family members in Brunei in the event of an emergency or disaster.
The Minister was responding to a question raised by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin on the ministry’s mechanisms and guidelines for notifying and advising the public in the event of the death of a Brunei Citizen abroad.
The Minister in reply outlined several important steps that need to be taken in an event of the death of a Brunei citizen abroad whereby the first step is identification and notification.
He said, “Upon receiving information or reports of the death of a Brunei citizen abroad, the relevant diplomatic mission or the nearest mission will identify the individual through travel documents such as a passport or identity card.
“Once confirmed, the mission will notify the headquarters in Brunei and will then gather further personal details, such as information about close family members in the country, in collaboration with relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Home Affairs and then contact the closest family members.
“The second action involves consular assistance and guidance.” The minister said, “ The mission will provide consular advice and guidance to the family members on the procedure and the requirements, including official documentation such as death certificates, hospital reports, police reports and any legal or regulations requirements in that country. The mission will also assist with funeral arrangements, including the repatriation of the deceased to Brunei or burial arrangements in the country concerned, depending on the family’s wishes.”
He also added. “Logistical support, including management, permits, coordination with local authorities and airlines. Will also be carried out by the mission. To facilitate communication, the MFA and the diplomatic missions provide communication channels such as a hotline and consular email, allowing family members to receive the latest update.”
(news source: Borneo Bulletin; pic source: Info Foto, Jabatan Penerangan)
